Campaign for Congress pits incumbent, current assemblyman

The race for the 3rd Congressional District is a contest between the incumbent and the assemblyman who serves much of the same area.

Incumbent John Garamendi, D-Fairfield is seeking re-election, while 3rd District Assemblyman Dan Logue, R-Loma Rica, is seeking the same seat. The two 3rd districts overlap, with Logues coming farther north to encompass Butte and Tehama counties, while Garamendi's extends southeast into Solano County.

John Garamendi

Garamendi said one of the joys of working in politics is being able to solve problems.

He considers his job description to "represent this incredibly diverse and beautiful district," and work for the needs of the people who live here.

"I have a wealth of experience that allows me to be successful in that task."

He said his strategy is to work with everyone to get things done. As an example, Garamendi is working with Congressman Doug LaMalfa, R-Richvale, on Sites Reservoir and levee projects, Garamendi said.

Garamendi said he requested, and was chosen, for congressional committees that impact this area, including Armed Services, Transportation and Infrastructure and Agriculture. His subcommittee roles include Water Resources and Environment and General Farm Commodities.

When the Farm Bill was recently up for adoption, he worked to design programs for the rice industry that worked with duck enhancement programs, Garamendi said.

He is against the Bay Delta Conservation Plan for twin tunnels and has written his own water plan (http://goo.gl/zB9kHC).

Jobs are another focal point of his efforts, he said.

When asked about the Affordable Care Act, Garamendi said there are changes to be made to the plan. Yet, kicking the plan around "like a political football," doesn't solve the problem.

Garamendi said he also supports comprehensive immigration reform.

On the topic of fracking, Garamendi said it depends on the geology of the area. If fracking can be done in a way that protects aquifers, including the types of chemicals and techniques used, he approves.

Garamendi also served as state Insurance Commisioner 1991-1995 and 2003-2007, U.S. Deputy Secretary of the Interior, 1995-1998, and Lieutenant Governor, 2007-2009.

Dan Logue

Logue wants to focus on relieving regulatory burdens, making California competitive for industry and to improve the state's water situation.

"As an elected official, the highest calling is to make sure the people in my district don't feel alone."

When asked for accomplishments, Logue sited efforts to help keep Bidwell Mansion open and to encourage changes to new California Air Resources Board diesel emission rules. His goal, he said, was that "non-elected officials (are not) over-reaching and oppressing the people of the district."

Logue has actively sought support for completion of Sites Reservoir. "We have a water system designed to meet the needs of 15 million people," Logue said, noting California's population is more than twice that amount. "We need storage. That's my highest priority."

He's against the twin tunnels of the Bay Delta Conservation Plan, and views the $70 billion price tag as "ridiculous.

Logue said he and opponent Garamendi disagree on health care reform. One big concern is that the IRS has oversight "over my health care," Logue said.

Logue said he also opposes the plans for high speed rail in California and has "from day one."

He said he also believes voters should be required to show identification when voting.

When asked about fracking in California, Logue said as long as there are safeguards for water quality, hydraulic fracturing for oil and gas extraction has potential to create many jobs within the state. Fracking has the potential to raise income and bring down unemployment rates, he said.

"The problem is that young people come out of college and have no jobs," he said.

In the past seen years, California has lost 900,000 manufacturing jobs, Logue said.

"The most important thing is to grow the economy, and making California competitive," and taking away regulatory opposition. Logue said, "I have never seen the public so afraid of our government."